Ski and camp in colorado?

Question

okay so next winter (08-09) me and some friends were looking to do a road trip to go skiing in Summit County. we specifically want to focus on Arapahoe Basin but will probably spend two days at other local areas (vail, keystone, etc.) to save money we decided that we would just camp instead of stay in a hotel. or the second option is rent a U-haul and live out of the back of that. does anyone know the good places to camp (not in an official camp site) that are a little out of the way but not far from the road or the ski places? and are there any restrictions to camping in the forests around there? and if there are better resorts to try this at (i.e. the cottonwoods area, etc.) I am completely open to suggestions at this point

Answer 1

Heh, yep I did this almost every spring break in college. They are always cracking down on it so it can be kind of hit or miss. I'll just give you all spots I've stayed. I'm not promising they are still available though. Also, make sure you've got a really really nice sleeping bag. It can get down to -30 up there at night. Snow caves are the best idea if you stay in one place for awhile.

1. Montazuma (just outside of Keystone) It usually gets tons of snow and not much plowing so 4x4 is must and chains are better. Head up to the town of Montazuma and go through the town (you can mapquest it) on your left you'll see a sign for Webster Pass. Take that and find a spot. It's about 15-20 min. to Keystone and about 30 to A. Basin.

2. Backside of lake Dillon (In between Breck and Keystone) there is a road that follows the back of lake dillon. Along the way there are tons of camping spots, but most are closed during the winter. With a little creativity though you should be able to find a spot to pull off, out of view from the road, and be fine.

3. Vail underpass- If you're coming from Denver, right as you drop down into Vail, you'll go over a bridge. On the left is the Eastern part of Vail and on the right is National Forest. I can't remember all the turns you take, but work your way back there on the frontage roads. You can park at the bridge and camp on the National Park side.

Option 2- I'm pretty sure A. Basin still lets you camp in their upper parking lot as long as you sleep in a car/RV/trailer (no tents). Give them a call and ask.

Good luck and have fun!